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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
4,361 comments Add your comment
keylargo
December 1st, 2010
12:54 pm
Nate McLouth’s career -
2003 (High A Ball) .300 .386 .411 .797
2004 (Double A) .322 .384 .462 .846
2005 (Triple A) .297 .364 .401 .765
2005 (Pitts MLB) .257 .305 .450 .755
2006 (Pitts MLB) .233 .293 .385 .678
2007 (Pitts MLB) .258 .351 .459 .810
2008 (Pitts MLB) .276 .356 .497 .853
2009 (Atl/Pitts) .256 .352 .436 .788
2010 (Atl MLB) .190 .298 .322 .620
There you have Nate’s eight years in pro baseball. Remarkable in the consistancy except for 2010. Do you really think he’s done? That there wasn’t a problem? Like maybe his vision for example? I think Nate goes back to what he’s done since 2003 and that’s be an above average player.
I just refuse to believe Nate did not have an undisclosed problem last year. Personally, I am guessing it was a problem adjusting to contact lenses for the first time in his life. I’ve worn them before LASIK and at first they can be real trouble.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
December 1st, 2010
12:54 pm
Berkman…now there is a name that I’ve not read about in some time.
AT
BravoMan
December 1st, 2010
12:54 pm
DOB,
If the Braves decide to cut their ties with Diaz is there any chance they would be able to get anything via trade from a team before the deadline tomorrow? Or would teams just take their chances getting him after he is non tendered?
Lew
December 1st, 2010
12:58 pm
Yeah, undisclosing problems is a very smart way to play it. Dude swore he could see fine.
Why are yu’;all trying to rationalize a BS performance. Yeah, hope he comes back, but quiot trying to tell me what I saw was an acid flashback or something. Dude flat out sucked and while I hope he performs to his average career norms (still not worth $6 mil, but….), I ain’t holding my breath or trying to convince anyone we have an undiscovered pot of gold in CF, either.
The A Bomb
December 1st, 2010
1:00 pm
Much more worried about McLouth’s decision-making in the outfield…. e.g. loopy throws, holding the ball… than I am about the offense. CF is a defensive-based position and the guy gets the “yips” out there a lot. If he sucks offensively he’s done anyway, but in the meantime he doesn’t steal outs which to me is a big problem out there.
Also…. no one’s talking about the need to replace Dunn for those lefty-lefty matchups…. How about Randy Choate? Lefties batted a shade over .200 against him last year. EOF and Venters are not one-out guys for the most part, so with all those lefties in the NL East we better find someone decent to replace Dunn.
TennesseePaul
December 1st, 2010
1:00 pm
failure to acknowledge that fact in favor of what he once did is on par with hoping unicorns run through the streets of Atlanta. I’ll believe it when I see it
So you feel that way about Chipper and Jurrjens as well?
TennesseePaul
December 1st, 2010
1:01 pm
still not worth $6 mil, but….
Uribe might argue otherwise…
Bartman
December 1st, 2010
1:07 pm
Arkansas Transplant.
I’m guessing I said something wrong? It wasn’t intentional. Can you explain? Thanks/
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
1:09 pm
Bringing up Berkman. I did that last year when we were looking for someone and let’s just say it wasn’t a welcomed option.
Bartman
December 1st, 2010
1:14 pm
Gotcha AT. Sorry about that.
I just thought if his price was lower now… Of course if the price was right, I’m sure Wren & Co. would be all over it. I’m just curious. Seems like an easy fit. Thanks
P-Town Brave ©
December 1st, 2010
1:16 pm
ARK-
As it shouldn’t be…
Where would you play him?
DAP
December 1st, 2010
1:17 pm
lew it means little when a player has done something ONE time and has yet to repeat it.
i agree. youve never read me say he will slug .500 again, ever. ive said that isnt who he really is.
but he did OBP .350 three years in a row, so he could probably do that again.
Lots of players had one good year early in their careers -way too may to ennumerate – and then never did it again. Been two years since 08 and that Nate has been nowhere to be seen.
except nate had a pretty good year in 07, and 09 too, not not only was 2008 not the FIRST time he played well, it wasnt the last time.
the truth is, 2010 was more of an anomaly for nate than 2008 was.
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
1:18 pm
Presently the way the roster is built, there’s really not a spot for him. Which is why I haven’t mentioned him this offseason.
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
1:19 pm
last year however, I would have taken a chance on him in LF.
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
1:20 pm
So with this Cam Newton ruling, NCAA’s saying that parents can shop their kids, long as they don’t tell ‘em? Wow. I’m a bit stunned by that.
And if dad gets paid, what, just don’t tell the kid? Just keep it to yourself, maybe give the kid a cut of the quarter-mill a few years later, long as the NCAA doesn’t find out?
So what’s the deterrent for shrewd parent-agents in future cases? Get the money if you can, just don’t tell junior while you’re discreetly nudging him toward the school that gave you the check.
nolie
December 1st, 2010
1:21 pm
and you concentrate soley on his ONE good season. LEW
huh? he has been talking about the THREE seasons that Nate started, not just the one best year.
DAP
December 1st, 2010
1:23 pm
DOB, youre right, this is a bad idea. no matter what they do, though its bound to be a system that is always teetering on under the table dealings and dishonestly.
TennesseePaul
December 1st, 2010
1:24 pm
Like maybe his vision for example
His concussion might have hampered him as well. The guy has been hit by Mike Hampton syndrome since joining the Braves, Hamstring, Blindness, Concussions…
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
1:25 pm
If the Braves decide to cut their ties with Diaz is there any chance they would be able to get anything via trade from a team before the deadline tomorrow? Or would teams just take their chances getting him after he is non tendered? — BravoMan
Probably not, but that’s precisely why teams wait till close to the deadline if they’re non-tendering, just in case a team comes forward with an offer.
BravoMan
December 1st, 2010
1:29 pm
Gotcha. Thanks DOB.
Also I wanted to ask if youre going to be missing lovely Indianapolis weather for this year’s winter meetings? I just wanted you to know here on December 1st there is indeed snow on the ground here in Indy…
P-Town Brave ©
December 1st, 2010
1:30 pm
The NCAA is an absolute JOKE!
As long as you belong to a BCS school making the association money hand over fist, they don’t care…
IF this were done at a Boise State or a mid level school, the kid would’ve been out on his *ss!
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
1:30 pm
BravoMan: As much as I dislike Disney, I’ll gladly take five days of Orlando weather over Indy in December.
ncscoots
December 1st, 2010
1:32 pm
So what’s the deterrent for shrewd parent-agents in future cases?
As I read it, you don’t even need “shrewd”. You merely have to be devoid of integrity.
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
1:33 pm
NCAA is a joke anyways, I think they make the rules up as they go. They’ve handed down more sactions for less to other schools.
I wanted Auburn to win anyways so Arkansas will get an at large SEC bid for a BCS bowl.
BravoMan
December 1st, 2010
1:34 pm
“As much as I dislike Disney, I’ll gladly take five days of Orlando weather over Indy in December.”
Agreed. But let’s not dislike all of Disney. There is the Braves Spring Training complex there. Terrific place to visit.
BravoMan
December 1st, 2010
1:35 pm
And yes I truly hate the cold more than anything
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
1:36 pm
BravoMan, spend seven weeks there and then talk to me. And I’m guessing you were at Disney with your family? Subtract them from equation, too.
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
1:37 pm
ncscoots: good point (1:32 p.m.)
BravoMan
December 1st, 2010
1:38 pm
“BravoMan, spend seven weeks there and then talk to me.”
Haha my record is two weeks and I’ll leave it at that.
Thanks for the input on Diaz. Looking forward to hearing your coverage next week.
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
1:40 pm
TennesseePaul: McLouth was in a dreadful slump before the concussion. At the time of his collision with Heyward, McLouth was batting .176 (second-lowest among National league regulars) with three homers, 14 RBIs and 46 strikeouts in 170 at-bats. He was 5-for-50 in his past 18 games before that collision and concussion put him on the DL.
MikeInFl
December 1st, 2010
1:43 pm
He was pretty much in a slump from day one of spring training on, right? Oh-for-about-30, or something like that?
BravesFanInKy
December 1st, 2010
1:43 pm
I’m hoping the Braves retain Diaz. He’s a good, solid hitter. Even clutch at times. Plus he’s a good human being. This is business, but I believe he has sufficient talent and character to be an asset, I’ve always liked his bat and the way he hits the ball to all fields. And a Godly man may help the Braves in a tough spot.
ryan c
December 1st, 2010
1:46 pm
DOB, i guess if a father rents his 10-year old son out for hard labor and gets caught, the son should be punished,right?
if cam had no idea this was going on (which, in my opinion is highly unlikely) then he should be eligible. the ncaa got this one right.
jeffrey d
December 1st, 2010
1:49 pm
There’s a big difference between a 10 year old and Cam Newton who was…what, 20 when this happened?
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
1:50 pm
ryan c
Your not an Auburn fan are you?
jeffrey d
December 1st, 2010
1:50 pm
And how could he have no idea that this was going on? Cecil’s a minister, right? They don’t make a ton of money. All of a sudden Cecil’s rolling around with $100,000? There’s no way Cam didn’t know what was going on…and like he’s going to blindly let his dad pick his college
jeffrey d
December 1st, 2010
1:51 pm
“Oh, you picked Auburn dad? Okay I’ll go there.”
Fish Bisch
December 1st, 2010
1:54 pm
Good article about dynasties that never came to fruition http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/the_bonus/12/01/failed.dynasties/index.html?eref=sihp
The Braves were #4 on this list; I think they should have been #1
TennesseePaul
December 1st, 2010
1:55 pm
DOB: McLouth was in a dreadful slump before the concussion
Yes. Yes he was. But I’d imagine bruising the brain didn’t really improve his situation either.
Lollygagger
December 1st, 2010
1:57 pm
maybe we’ve all got it wrong. Maybe Cam is the wrongdoer all along, and now he’s rolling his dad under the bus. Or at least letting him take all the blame. The one thing that backs up the claim that Cam knew nothing is that he chose Auburn. If his dad was paid to bring him to Miss. State, well that surely didn’t work did it? If Cam had known about some money involved, he probably would have picked MSU, wouldn’t he?
Bigwheel
December 1st, 2010
2:00 pm
Hey Dave, Thanks for the bloggage.. What did you think about the arizona journalist calling out derek anderson monday night? He did word it in the correct context, but he was def. Asking to be chewed out for asking. Its sort of like andruw after he struck out for the third time and had his smirky grin on his face…D A’s asian lineman was just trying to cheer him up.
ed
December 1st, 2010
2:01 pm
is it possible for the braves to bring back smoltz to pitch the seventh or eighth inning this yr?
TennesseePaul
December 1st, 2010
2:02 pm
Why are yu’;all trying to rationalize a BS performance
I don’t see anyone on here rationalizing a BS performance. Some simply point out the results. Others add more detail to those results going from simply “yeah he stunk” to “yeah he stunk and he bruised his brain”. Not one person has actually claimed 2010 was a great season for McLouth. The guy had a terrible season. But the three years prior to that, he had good seasons. And, as many have pointed out, it is reasonable and probable that last year, his 2010 suckathon, was the statistical outlier. The dude could be toast. He could be just as finished and useless as Jordan Schafer. Next year will be more revealing to that end. In the mean time some on here have fairly pointed to faint silver linings in the tail end of McLouths 2010 suckathon as reason for hope.
Snotboogie
December 1st, 2010
2:03 pm
About the Reggie Bush situation – wasn’t the main problem that his mom landed privileges because of his son’s status. The only difference is because Bush knew and Newton didnt ? I dont get it.
jeffrey d
December 1st, 2010
2:05 pm
ed – I really think that because of Smoltz’ age, all of his surgeries, and the fact that he hasn’t pitched in a year, he’s done as a pitcher.
jeffrey d
December 1st, 2010
2:06 pm
The only difference is because Bush knew and Newton didnt ? I dont get it.
I don’t get how Newton would have no idea about this
ryan c
December 1st, 2010
2:19 pm
once again, if cam knew about the money, he should be ineligbile. however, there has been no evidence to suggest that he did know (which, again, is highly unlikely). how is the ncaa supposed to punish cam for his father’s wrongdoings?
it doesnt make sense…
cabravesfan
December 1st, 2010
2:20 pm
Snotboogie -
No- not what happened with Reggie…in fact, the school had nothing to do with the actual incident. They got in trouble because they apparently were supposed to know that Reggie’s parents were living in a house owned by an agent and not paying rent. (Among other things, yes, but the school was not accused of actually doing anything illegal-just letting it happen)
jeffrey d
December 1st, 2010
2:22 pm
it doesnt make sense…
You know what doesn’t make sense? This conversation
Cam: Dad, I really think I want to transfer to Mississippi State
Cecil: No, you’re going to Auburn.
Cam: Oh…okay. Hey, where’d you get that new Mercedes?
Cecil: Uh….internet.
Cam: Works for me!
Snotboogie
December 1st, 2010
2:24 pm
cab
So for that (among other things) Reggie vacated his Heisman. Did they prove that he knew what his parents were up to? I mean how could he know who owned the house or how the parents managed it. Ridiculous!
cabravesfan
December 1st, 2010
2:27 pm
Snot-
Reggie had contact with the guy too- I didn’t mean to make it sound like he was not involved- just that the school got hit (way too hard in my totally unbiased opinion
) because they didn’t do anything about it, even though most of the contact was between Reggie’s dad and the agents, with some contact with Reggie, mostly in San Diego…not sure how schools are supposed to know what their player’s parents do 200 miles away…
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
2:30 pm
Braves haven’t added a second year to offer for Hinske because they probably don’t think they need to. And they’re probably right — I think if the offers are equal, he’s coming back to Atlanta. He liked it hear a lot, and the team looks much more competitive than Brewers, and at this stage of his career, after four straight trips to postseason, that’s important to Hinske.
Snotboogie
December 1st, 2010
2:30 pm
cab
Ah okay! Actually I was only comparing the players and their eligibility. I actually wasnt worried about the sanctions against USC. I dont mind that part.
beekay
December 1st, 2010
2:34 pm
How about Willie Harris for the bench? Would come cheap and can play all outfield and most infield positions. Good PH, late inning D and pinc runner off the bench
cabravesfan
December 1st, 2010
2:35 pm
Snot-
jeffrey d
December 1st, 2010
2:35 pm
I can’t believe Hinske only hit .256 and .246 against righties….didn’t it seem like he fared a lot better last year?
dap01
December 1st, 2010
2:41 pm
How did Auburn admit someone with Cam’s background? Do they have ANY standards?
O.J.
December 1st, 2010
2:42 pm
So DOB, is Frank waiting to see what Hinske does before looking elsewhere?
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
2:44 pm
ryan c: so it’s perfectly fine for a parent who thinks kids should be paid for playing NCAA football, to ask for top dollar and see what comes up? I mean, you never know, someone might offer a cool million. But if the offers aren’t what you’re looking for, then don’t nudge your kid in any direction. Meantime, certainly don’t tell him anything. That way, not a thing the NCAA can do if no money’s ever exchanged. And if it is exchanged, well, just be careful covering your tracks.
Nice precedent set today, in making it clear that there will be no punishment if a parent merely pimps his kid without telling him, long as he doesn’t take money that we’re aware of.
(And I should make it clear, there’s no reason to think Auburn did anything wrong here. I’m saying the dad’s alleged behavior was beyond the pale, and there has to be some punishment, some deterrent to keep parents from doing the same thing.)
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
2:47 pm
O.J., Wren is waiting, like other GMs in similar positions, to see what the next wave of free agents looks like after the non-tender deadline tomorrow. Why would you sign today a player whose ability and/or price you’re not too enthusiastic about, when better, cheaper ones might be available after being non-tendered tomorrow?
Hillbilly
December 1st, 2010
2:47 pm
cabravesfan,
If it would make you feel any better, y’all can take Broderick Green back. I’ll even make the drive up to Fayetville and help him pack his bags.
Kyle
December 1st, 2010
2:48 pm
DOB- i am a diehard auburn fan and this makes the NCAA look dumb. I wonder if Auburn wasnt in the national title chase and Cam the favorite for the Heisman if things would be different. As a Auburn fan this news makes me happy but college sports in general are starting to get out of control.
Kyle
December 1st, 2010
2:50 pm
and again this news makes me real happy as a auburn fan but this has to lead to some type of rule change or something or we will have this type of situation every year
cabravesfan
December 1st, 2010
2:52 pm
Hillbilly -
Nope. You can keep him
Hillbilly
December 1st, 2010
2:52 pm
DOB,
Man you struck gold with this Whitey Morgan and the 78s recommendation.
Back to Back (from their other album) has emerged as a front-runner on my list.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6oRcpw00SY&feature=related
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
2:52 pm
Kyle, agreed. And I respect that you can look at it objectively, instead of merely as a fan of the team he’s playing for. Pretty cool of you.
jeffrey d
December 1st, 2010
2:52 pm
If schools were bidding for Newton, it makes you wonder how often this happens
Kyle
December 1st, 2010
2:52 pm
im not saying cam is guilty of anything but with this ruling its only a matter of time before someone else takes it to a new level. i think its time to start paying the players besides tuition. im not saying pay them alot, just give them a small chunk of the cash they help all these schools bring in
O.J.
December 1st, 2010
2:52 pm
Cool, thanks DOB, guess that makes total sense.
ward
December 1st, 2010
2:55 pm
How is every one? Coach: Thanks for the false trade report. I just about bought into it.Good thing i checked when i got home,before i said anything else.I just about thought it was true. It’s o.k. i’m still laughing about it.
Hillbilly
December 1st, 2010
2:55 pm
Nope. You can keep him
You sure? He and Mustain would make a dynamic duo, no? Going once, going twice….
cabravesfan
December 1st, 2010
2:56 pm
Hillbilly-
I’m sure…in fact, I can offer you Mustain if you want that dynamic duo together!
Omar
December 1st, 2010
2:59 pm
What the H_ _ _ happened? I’m a Fish??!!
ward
December 1st, 2010
3:00 pm
I’ve been very negative on Mclouth too.It would be painful just to see him bat.
Hillbilly
December 1st, 2010
3:00 pm
I’m sure…in fact, I can offer you Mustain if you want that dynamic duo together!
Weeeeellll, When you put it that way, it doesn’t sound quite as tantalizing. No deal.
Skeezix
December 1st, 2010
3:02 pm
Hinske will be a Brave next year. Why? Would you rather be in brewtown?
Snotboogie
December 1st, 2010
3:03 pm
I am sure this happens elsewhere too. In fact someone should look into that Terrell Pryor deal. It’s the most recent deal where the QB just waited and waited before making his signing a national spectacle. It’s almost like a free agent signing waiting for top money. (All this could also be construed as the anti-Ohio State bias.)
ward
December 1st, 2010
3:03 pm
Painful to see Diaz come back too.Hinske please sign with the Braves!!!!
Owl Hunter
December 1st, 2010
3:05 pm
I think McClouth deserves another chance. Short leash, definitelty, but this past season was drastically different than his previous seasons. He deserves a chance to prove it was a fluke. Also, unlike brats like Frenchy and Yunel, McClouth took full responsibility for his struggles. Guys with winning attitudes like that often find their way back.
ward
December 1st, 2010
3:07 pm
Simple! Matt Young and Shcafer in center field. Middle relief Kris Melden.All we do is sign Putz……and two bats for the bench.
David O'Brien
December 1st, 2010
3:09 pm
Ward, Medlen won’t return until at least late August. He’s recovering from T.J. surgery.
And what are you proposing the Braves do with McLouth, if you’re saying the should get two more bats for bench?
Owl Hunter
December 1st, 2010
3:11 pm
I can all but guarantee that Schafer would be worse in CF this season than McClouth.
cabravesfan
December 1st, 2010
3:13 pm
Hillbilly-
How about if I throw in our field goal kicker who’s name escapes me? Then will you take Mustain back?
Owl Hunter
December 1st, 2010
3:13 pm
Ward
I think you need to study up on the money involved with some of these moves. I doubt right now that we can afford Putz and two more worthwhile bats. They aren’t going to pay McClouth 6.5M to do nothing.
ward
December 1st, 2010
3:14 pm
Use Beachy for middle relief or Minor. DOB forgot about Melden not coming back until August.
ward
December 1st, 2010
3:15 pm
Owl Hunter: I think Wren could afford Putz….
DS1
December 1st, 2010
3:16 pm
DOB
What’s your take on the fall of McLouth last year? Is there some inside story that can’t be told! (if there is, just give us the hi-sign!)
ncscoots
December 1st, 2010
3:16 pm
I am sure this happens elsewhere too.
And, in fact, kids do still get paid to come to school. It’s not as flagrant as it was once, but, don’t kid yourself. It’s probably hypocritical of me, but I find that less distasteful than the thought of a parent making a profit by selling his son’s future. Bubba, that just ain’t right.
Owl Hunter
December 1st, 2010
3:17 pm
Ward
He probably can affort Putz, but not Putz AND two bench bats.
DS1
December 1st, 2010
3:17 pm
If my uranium mine stock keeps going up, heck I’ll buy Putz for the Braves!
ward
December 1st, 2010
3:17 pm
All these are just some ideas that I came up with.
Arkansas Transplant
December 1st, 2010
3:17 pm
David O’Brien
December 1st, 2010
3:09 pm
That’s what I was wondering.
Murph
December 1st, 2010
3:18 pm
ward’s in the hizzouse.
What’s up ward? What’s your take on the Hinske situation? Heard anything you can share about his offers from Milwaukee or Atlanta? Have you talked to him? Which way is he leaning? Didn’t you say you used to go fishing with a guy who was a big Hinske fan? What’s his take on all of this?
Tell us something.
ward
December 1st, 2010
3:18 pm
DS1: Putz has a great fast ball…..
DS1
December 1st, 2010
3:19 pm
scoots
This whole pay for play thing in college sports is one of the reasons I can’t get too excited about any college athletic program.
I’ll stick with my Braves and Jazz.
ward
December 1st, 2010
3:20 pm
Murph: I’m doing quit well. Wating for Wren to make his next move. Have to go to work in 10 minutes though.
Dead Horse
December 1st, 2010
3:20 pm
Quit beating me….McLouth is not going anywhere
Owl Hunter
December 1st, 2010
3:21 pm
Putz is a good idea at the right price. Remember that Wren doesn’t usually spend all the money available in the offseason. He holds on to a couple mil if he needs to makee another move during the season.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
December 1st, 2010
3:21 pm
ward – ever been deer hunting?
DS1
December 1st, 2010
3:23 pm
It seems like Hinske has all the offers on the table. Wonder what he’s waiting for to make a decision? Maybe he hopes one team blinks and offers a second year???
C’mon Eric, can’t you feel the love man!!! Sign the contract brother!